professional courtesy

USAGE SUMMARY

"professional courtesy" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It typically refers to the polite behavior expected among colleagues, especially in a business or academic context. For example, "It is professional courtesy to address colleagues in a respectful manner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Professional courtesy," she explained.

The New York Times

"Professional courtesy," he said.

The New Yorker

That's not professional courtesy — it's professional corruption.

The New York Times

Professional courtesy is a two-way street.

The Washington Post

Use professional courtesy when messaging new contacts.

University of California, Berkeley

He added: "That's a respect, a professional courtesy.

The New York Times

The reply was surely one of professional courtesy.

The Guardian - Sport

He did so, the statement said, out of professional courtesy.

The New York Times

He was then asked if perhaps an unwritten rule or a professional courtesy had been violated?

The New York Times

This is what is known on the Hill as professional courtesy.

The New York Times

In this, Dorrance may be observing something more than professional courtesy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a situation where fairness is compromised, avoid using "professional courtesy" and instead focus on the specific inappropriate act.

Common error

Avoid using "professional courtesy" to justify actions that are unethical, illegal, or discriminatory. True professional conduct should never compromise integrity or fairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "professional courtesy" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents a concept of respectful and considerate behavior expected in professional settings. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse scenarios, from hospital settings to sports, highlighting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

13%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "professional courtesy" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the polite and respectful behavior expected among colleagues in a professional environment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally denoting positive interactions, it's crucial to ensure that acts of "professional courtesy" do not compromise ethical standards or fairness. Alternatives such as "collegial respect" and "workplace etiquette" can be used depending on the specific context. Being mindful of the context can help ensure it doesn't imply unethical behavior or preferential treatment that compromises fairness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collegial respect

Focuses specifically on the respect among colleagues, omitting the broader sense of general professional conduct.

ethical consideration

Highlights the ethical aspect of showing courtesy, rather than the specific acts of politeness.

standard practice

Indicates that the courtesy is a common and expected behavior in the profession.

workplace etiquette

Refers to general manners and conduct within a professional setting, not necessarily specific acts of consideration.

customary deference

Emphasizes the respect and yielding to someone due to their position or seniority.

professional ethics

Highlights the moral principles governing conduct, not the specific acts of politeness or consideration.

respectful collaboration

Focuses on collaboration with respect, missing the aspect of leniency or special consideration.

gentleman's agreement

Implies an informal and unwritten agreement of consideration, differing from explicit policies.

common decency

Refers to basic human politeness, broader than specific professional contexts.

code of conduct

This relates to guidelines for conduct instead of personal flexibility.

FAQs

What is the definition of "professional courtesy"?

"Professional courtesy" refers to the considerate and respectful behavior expected among colleagues or within a profession. It often involves extending small favors, accommodations, or special considerations.

How can I show "professional courtesy" in the workplace?

Showing "professional courtesy" can involve offering assistance to colleagues, acknowledging their contributions, respecting their opinions, and maintaining a respectful and polite demeanor.

When is "professional courtesy" inappropriate?

"Professional courtesy" becomes inappropriate when it leads to unethical behavior, such as covering up mistakes, giving preferential treatment, or compromising fairness or integrity. It should never supersede ethical guidelines or legal obligations.

What are some alternatives to "professional courtesy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "collegial respect", "ethical consideration", or "workplace etiquette" to describe similar concepts of respect and consideration in professional settings.